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Glasses and Vision: Some Common Questions

Can I get the wrong glasses by giving the wrong answer during my eye exam? No. In fact, there is no wrong answer. Your eye doctor knows how you should be answering the questions. S/he determines this by looking at your eyes through a phoropter (the large eyeglass machine). It also helps if your doctor knows your old eyeglass prescription (if any). S/he double-checks (and, sometimes, triple-checks) your answers, then determines an accurate prescription.

Ever since I started wearing glasses, my vision without them has been getting worse. Are glasses hurting my vision?
No. Usually, if vision is going to change, it will do so whether or not you wear glasses. Many people who never wore glasses start to have problems reading small print sometime in their mid-40s. The ability to focus on small objects close up starts to change around this time and decreases slowly for the next 20 years before leveling off. Wearing glasses won't correct or speed up the changes, but it will help you function better.

Similarly, a 10-year-old who becomes nearsighted often continues to need stronger prescriptions into his or her early 20s, when growth levels off. In most cases, wearing glasses during this time has little effect on the strength of his or her final prescription.

Can I hurt my eyes by using them too much?
No. There is a common misconception: that a person should limit reading time to avoid eye strain. This is not true. As long as you can see, go ahead and use your vision. You can't wear out your eyes.

People in their early 40s sometimes think the close work they've been doing changes their ability to focus. This change in their close-up vision is the result of age, not the result of too much eye work.

Can I harm my eyes with glasses bought in the supermarket?
No. Glasses bought in a supermarket or department store are sometimes an inexpensive way to compensate for the loss of reading vision. Since these glasses often are not a perfect match to your eyes, they may cause eye strain. They will not, however, cause permanent damage.

The biggest problem with these glasses is that they may cause some people to put off having an eye examination. Since most eye diseases (such as glaucoma) have few early symptoms, it is still important to have a thorough eye examination every one to two years.

My eye doctor recommended bifocals for my child. Is this common?
No, but there is no need for concern. Bifocals are good for anyone with two different prescriptions. They eliminate the need to switch back and forth between two pairs of glasses. Bifocals are also helpful for children whose eyes cross when reading.

More information on glasses and vision 

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